Canberra Bushwalking Club Inc – Annual General Meeting – 20 September 2023 – Minutes of Meeting (held at Weston Creek Uniting Church Hall and online)
Welcome
General Secretary Jenny Stewart opened the meeting at 7:30pm, giving the Acknowledgment of Country and presenting the President’s Report on behalf of Terrylea Reynolds. Jenny noted that this was the first face-to-face AGM since 2019. 20 members were present in the hall and one online (via Google Meet). Jenny thanked Peter Conroy for setting up the online option.
President’s Report
Highlights of the year included:
- Introduction of Bilby, the Club’s booking management system. An enormous effort had gone into bringing this major undertaking to a successful conclusion. A big thank you to Andrew Meers and to Terrylea for their leadership and to John Evans and Andrea for their work in testing the system. Andrew, who was stepping down as Web Manager after many dedicated years in the job, would say more about Bilby in his report later in the meeting.
- Community relations had been a particular feature of the past year. CBC (through John Evans) had put on walks at the request of ACT Archives during ACT Heritage Week to showcase some of the field survey notes used by the early border surveyors. Another significant event was co-leadership (with David Pocock) of a walk to Bluett’s Block to highlight the importance of conserving this important area.
- JS thanked Terrylea for her wonderful 2 years of presidency and thanked the 2022-23 committee, noting key points from relevant reports, including:
- Wide-ranging walks program; thanks to outgoing Walks Secretary Quentin Moran and also to Quentin for his leadership guidelines during the introduction of Bilby; more leaders were emerging but more were needed;
- Family and toddler walks continued to be run, encouraging the next generation of bushwalkers – thanks to Linda Groom for this popular initiative and for her ongoing commitment to the Club;
- Member numbers had been clarified with migration to Bilby and had reached 420 in September 2023; thanks to Andrea for her work in seeking feedback from members;
- A range of submissions on conservation issues, notably including the Club’s submission to the Senate Standing Committee on management of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park; thanks to Cynthia Breheny, who was stepping down as Conservation Officer, for this important work.
- Jenny Stewart was stepping down as General Secretary after 6 years in the job – Jenny reflected on her history in the Club, noting how important CBC’s experience and knowledge had been in enabling her to take up bushwalking. As with many others who had joined the Club, she would never have been able to take this step on her own.
Walks Secretary’s Report
Assistant Walks Secretary Keith Thomas presented the Walks Secretary report on behalf of outgoing Walks Sec Quentin Moran. The report summarised the achievements of the year:
- There had been 270 completed activities (up 22% from last year), representing 428 days of walking, a strong result.
- A huge vote of thanks to the Club’s 59 active leaders! Those who had been conspicuous contributors were honoured in the usual way. It was especially encouraging to note the emergence of new leaders. Special thanks to John Evans for RUUp4it.
Greg Buckley Award
The award for 2023 was presented to Andrea Coomblas for her achievements as an emerging leader, and for her patient work as Membership Secretary in testing and implementing Bilby.
Web Manager’s Report
Andrew gave more detail on the successful introduction of Bilby. Frequent updates had added useful features to the initial design. A second club, from Ipswich, was now a Bilby user. As a subscription service, Bilby improved security, reliability and reduced committee workload.
Andrew was asked what would happen at the end of Bilby’s first 3-year term. He said it was a good question. However, he was confident the service would continue in a satisfactory way.
Treasurer’s Report and Motions
Report
The President, on behalf of the Treasurer, presented budgeted and actual Income and Expenditure for 2022-2023, and the 2023-2024 Budget. The Club’s total cash balances remained strong, with $21,312 in the Operating Account at the end of June 2023.
Financial Motions
Financial Statements 2022–2024
That the Club adopt the Income and Expenditure Statement for 2022–2023 and the Budget for 2023-2024 as presented at the meeting.
Moved: Jenny Stewart
Seconded: Keith Thomas
Motion carried
Transport rate
That the transport rate be kept at 45c per kilometre (per car).
Moved: Jenny Stewart
Seconded: Andrea Coomblas
Motion carried
Members’ subscription 2023–2024
That the subscription for the 2023–2024 year remains at $40 per member.
Moved: Jenny Stewart
Seconded: Phillip Starr
Motion carried
Appointment of Reviewer
Motion: That David Holt be appointed Honorary Reviewer in line with Clause 6.6 of the CBC Constitution.
Moved: Jenny Stewart
Seconded: Richard Morton
Motion carried
Handover to Returning Officer
The returning officer for 2023 was Phillip Starr.
Elections for Canberra Bushwalking Club Committee 2023/2024
| Position | Nominee |
|---|---|
| President | Noelia Pinto |
| Treasurer | Melinda Brouwer |
| Walks Secretary | John Evans |
| Assistant Walks Sec | Garry Boxsell |
| Membership Secretary | Andrea Coomblas |
| Conservation Officer | Michael Clisby |
| General Secretary | Marlene Eggert |
| Social Secretary | Ana Vrancic |
| Training & Safety Officer | Diana Terry |
| Editor | Meg McKone |
| Publisher | Terrylea Reynolds |
| Web Manager | Keith Thomas |
The appointment of the new Committee was confirmed by the meeting.
Other Business
Phillip Starr proposed that Standing Resolution 6.3 needed revising in light of new risk management procedures following the introduction of Bilby. Jenny Stewart to follow up with Phillip. The incoming committee would consider this matter.
The meeting ended at 8:20pm
Jenny Stewart
General Secretary
23 September 2023